New: Rose Royal by Shiseido.

Shiseido is something like the rose fragrance specialist in Japan. After White Rose, Rosarium, Blue Rose and last year's Rose Rouge here comes Rose Royale.
Don't try to find it at your Shiseido counter as it's exclusive to Japan. It comes in a very cute blue glass bottle with what looks like a "drappé" effect. The other packaging is turquoise with gold trimmings.

Shiseido created a mini website specially for the occasion. I can't read Japanese, but it looks like it was inspired by Queen Marie Antoinette. I just clicked on the icons at the bottom of the screen from the left to the right and saw all the pages. I like how Japanese cosmetic companies give lots of information about their products, too bad I don't understand anything.

Marie Antoinette is huge in Japan... Not only because there are many francophiles in Japan but essentially because of a book. Most Japanese women read a manga/comic called "The Rose of Versailles" when they were little girls and so do their daughters. The book and its sequels were written by Riyoko Ikeda in 1972. They tell the romantic story of Lady Oscar, a girl who dresses as a boy and who becomes Marie Antoinette's royal guard (sort of bodyguard). A great deal of Lady Oscar was to cover-up Marie Antoinette's meetings with her lover Mr de Fersen.

Maybe some of you remember the animated series.

The book was even made into a musical revue in 1974 by the all women theater company Takarazuka. It has constantly being played since then (that's longer than Cats, Phantom or Les Miz).

Re: New: Rose Royal by Shiseido.

Oooo, that's pretty. My ex is Japanese and I stayed in Japan for several months...it is a culture where aesthetics are taken into consideration in every dimension...beauty is a necessity...
My Mother in Law used Shiseido shampoos, conditioners and body products and I remember being captivated by the scents... softly sensual and embracing, very womanly and pure.
Any recommendations for a Shiseido scent that is available in the US?
Rose or otherwise?

"Like a lobster with a pearl in its claw, the beet held the jasmine firmly without crushing or obscuring it. Beet lifted jasmine, the way a bullnecked partner lifts a ballerina, and the pair came on stage on citron's fluty cue. As if jasmine were a collection of beautiful paintings, beet hung it in the galleries of the nose, insured it against fire or theft, threw a party to celebrate it. Citron mailed the invitations." Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins p. 189

Re: New: Rose Royal by Shiseido.

I love Shiseido Zen (pearl)- it is fairly popular here in Europe, a white floral with valerian and incense, wonderful stuff. And of course Feminite du Bois, with a very strong cedar heart note (and top and base, too!) and spice and fruit. For another floral, more sheer than Zen, Vocalise is quite lovely.

Re: New: Rose Royal by Shiseido.

Originally Posted by Elf

I love Shiseido Zen (pearl)- it is fairly popular here in Europe, a white floral with valerian and incense, wonderful stuff. And of course Feminite du Bois, with a very strong cedar heart note (and top and base, too!) and spice and fruit. For another floral, more sheer than Zen, Vocalise is quite lovely.

Thank you! My list to sample is growing!

"Like a lobster with a pearl in its claw, the beet held the jasmine firmly without crushing or obscuring it. Beet lifted jasmine, the way a bullnecked partner lifts a ballerina, and the pair came on stage on citron's fluty cue. As if jasmine were a collection of beautiful paintings, beet hung it in the galleries of the nose, insured it against fire or theft, threw a party to celebrate it. Citron mailed the invitations." Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins p. 189